
Late run lifts Freeman over Johns in three games
Max Freeman is into the men’s singles Round of 16 after an 11-5, 0-11, 11-9 victory over No. 5 seed Ben Johns.
It looked like Johns was in full control after earning 9-5 lead in Game 3 after an 11-0 pickle in the second, but a timeout helped Freeman come all the way back to pull off one of the many early-round upsets fans have seen so far in Bristol.
“It was a pretty weird match,” Freeman noted afterwards. “I think Ben got off to a little bit of a slow start, and I was able to capitalize on that early and got a little bit of confidence in that first game. Obviously, I got pickled in the second game—I cooled all the way down, and I don’t think [Ben] missed a ball. And when he went up 9-5 in the third, things were looking pretty bleak, so I called a timeout, strung a few points together and got lucky at the end.”
“This is a very momentum-based game, very trendy one way to the other so you’ve just gotta tell yourself that anything can happen out there and just keep playing one point at a time.”
Freeman, the No. 32 seed this week, will next face No. 21 seed Grayson Goldin with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
Related articles

Mojo Energy Pouches Virginia Beach Open: Everything you need to know
With several star players heading overseas, a big opportunity awaits for other players to claim a title.
2 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Virginia Beach features wide open draws
No Anna Leigh Waters and no Ben Johns means it is anyone’s tournament to make a mark.
1 day ago
-Jim Kloss

Anna Leigh Waters notches 200th title at Veolia Chicago Cup
The milestones just keep piling up for the young superstar.
1 day ago
-Jim Kloss

Bellamy powers past Haworth for first 2026 title as Waters earns Triple Crown
Roscoe Bellamy earned his second career PPA Tour title in the Windy City. He'll look to replicate this week's success at next week's event in Virginia Beach.
2 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff